Larry Holmes (69-6, 44 KO) is sandwiched between two of the greatest and most popular reigns in heavyweight history.

Holmes came after Muhammad Ali and before Mike Tyson, yet Holmes arguably had an even greater reign as champion than they.

His record of 20 defenses is only bested by one fighter, Joe Louis.

During his reign, Holmes ruled with an iron left jab, one of the greatest weapons in boxing history.

Holmes' list of victims grew to include hard-punching Earnie Shavers (twice), Ken Norton, a way-past-his-prime Muhammad Ali, Leon Spinks, Mike Weaver, Trevor Berbick, Randall Cobb and many others.

Gerry Cooney and Holmes were both undefeated when they staged a magnificent heavyweight event where Holmes overcame Cooney in the 13th round to win by TKO.

Holmes was 48-0, trying to go for the heavyweight undefeated record of 49-0 that belonged to Rocky Marciano, when he finally lost in 1985 against the younger Michael Spinks. He lost again later to the young monster that was Mike Tyson.

Holmes career continued far past his best, yet his jab still picked up notable wins, including one over Ray Mercer.

Holmes was definitely the best heavyweight of the 1980s and one of the greatest heavyweights ever.